Maintain your health
While you heal, immediate dentures help you chew and eat easier during recovery.
Immediate dentures: Your complete guide
With Aspen Dental, you never have to be without your smile.
If you’ve been exploring dentures, you may have come across terms like immediate dentures, healing dentures, same-day dentures or temporary dentures. These all describe the same solution: dentures you receive right after tooth extractions so you’re never without a smile.
At Aspen Dental, as a new denture-wearer, immediate dentures are included in your care plan to keep you smiling no matter what. Before you start your care, there’s more you need to know. Using this guide, we’ll review everything you need to know, including what they are, how they work and what to expect when you get them so you feel confident in your care ahead.
What are immediate dentures, and how do they work?
Immediate dentures, sometimes known as temporary dentures, are prostheses that you receive when recovering from tooth extractions. Designed for new denture-wearers, they’re provided the same day as your extractions (i.e. same-day dentures) so you don’t have to hide your smile or wait weeks to have teeth again. They’ll also help you speak, eat and protect your gums while your mouth is healing.
If you’re new to dentures, it’s likely you’ll need tooth extractions and time for your mouth to heal afterwards. That’s why immediate dentures are always included in new denture-wearer care—to provide you a comfortable short-term solution during your recovery. Once you’re fully healed, we’ll finalize your smile. Depending on your smile solution, we’ll either reline (resurface) your denture or craft a brand-new denture that contours to fit the changes to your smile. Both options ensure you get a snug-fitting smile that stays comfortable long-term.
What are the benefits of immediate dentures?
Living without your smile? At Aspen Dental, that’s never an option. That’s one of the many benefits of immediate or same-day dentures.
Immediate support
Restoring your smile right after extractions so you’re never without your smile.
Protect your gums
After extractions, immediate dentures act as a bandage to promote healing.
Ease into your smile
Immediate dentures help you stay confident and comfortable as you adjust to life with dentures.
Which traditional denture is for you: immediate or final?
The short answer is, you may need both! Depending on the type of denture recommend for your smile, if you’re a new denture-wearer both an immediate denture and final denture may be included in your care plan. Why? Find out with our chart below.
Immediate dentures | Final dentures | |
Placement | Inserted immediately after tooth extractions | Inserted after gums have healed |
Fit | Designed to fit your gums while healing or swollen | Contoured to your healed mouth for a snug fit |
Wait time | None | After gums fully heal |
Cost | Included in care plan for new denture-wearers | Based on type of denture |
Aesthetics | Improves appearance while healing | Long-term natural look with customizable materials |
Functionality | Protects your gums temporarily as they heal | Designed for long-term use & optimal function |
When will I switch from immediate to permanent dentures?
Great question. Immediate dentures, or same-day dentures, are temporary dentures you’ll wear after your tooth extractions until you’re ready to finalize your smile, either with a reline or a brand-denture.
Healing is unique to you, so we wait to finalize your smile until your mouth is fully healed. In doing so, we make sure your final or permanent denture fits snugly for long-term comfortable wear.
What’s the process of getting temporary dentures?
Consultation
We’ll evaluate your oral health, review your care plan and take precise impressions of your teeth and gums.
Tooth extractions
Next, at your extraction visit, your dentist will remove teeth based on your needs and care plan.
Insertion
After your extractions are complete, we’ll place an immediate denture based on the impressions we took.
Adjustments
As your gums heal, getting adjustments along the way will help keep you comfortable.
Follow-up care
Once your smile is healed, we’ll either reline your denture or custom-craft a new one.
What to expect after getting immediate dentures
Healing looks a little different for everyone. To help you know what’s normal, learn what to expect.
Day 1 after immediate dentures
What you might notice
Some bleeding is normal and usually slows after a few hours
Swelling may begin around your cheeks or jaw
Soreness often starts as the numbness wears off
What helps
Keep your dentures in, even overnight, to protect your gums and control bleeding
Rest with your head elevated and avoid strenuous activity
Apply an ice pack to your cheeks for 15 minutes at a time to ease swelling
Day 2 after immediate dentures
What you might notice
Swelling is often at its peak
Tender spots may develop where the dentures press on your gums
Your mouth can feel tight or full
What helps
Switch to warm compresses instead of ice to reduce swelling
Rinse with warm salt water after meals to keep the area clean
Stick to soft foods like mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs and pudding
Day 3 after immediate dentures
What you might notice
Swelling is still present but may start to ease slightly
Sore spots under the denture may feel more noticeable
Talking and eating may still feel challenging
What helps
Continue using warm compresses for swelling
Note any areas where dentures rub so your dentist can adjust them
Keep rinsing after meals and brush dentures gently
Day 4 after immediate dentures
What you might notice
Swelling usually begins to go down
Wearing dentures may start to feel more comfortable
Eating and speaking may feel a little easier
What helps
Introduce slightly firmer soft foods, like pasta or fish, if you’re ready
Rest when your body needs it
Continue daily cleaning of your mouth and dentures
1 week after immediate dentures
What you might notice
Most swelling has gone down
Your dentures may feel a little loose as gums continue to shrink during healing
What helps
Visit your dentist for a follow-up—this is when adjustments are often made for comfort
Continue daily cleaning of your mouth and dentures
Use the visit to ask questions and discuss your progress
Same-day denture care tips
Your first few days with immediate dentures are big steps in your recovery. Prepping ahead of time to make sure you have everything you need for home care can make the biggest difference. So before you start your journey, learn our recommendations on how to stay comfortable, protect your gums and adjust to life with dentures.
Managing swelling and soreness
Take any medication as directed by your dentist.
Some swelling and discomfort are normal after extractions. Use an ice pack on your cheeks for 15 minutes at a time during the first 24 hours to reduce swelling.
Keep your dentures in place, even overnight for the first few days. This helps control bleeding and supports your gums as they heal.
What to eat in the first few days
Stick to soft foods that are gentle on your gums. Good options include mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, yogurt, pudding, smoothies and applesauce.
As you heal, you can gradually introduce slightly firmer foods like pasta, fish or well-cooked vegetables.
Avoid hard, crunchy or sticky foods until your dentist says you’re ready.
How to clean and store immediate dentures
Rinse your dentures with cool water after meals to keep them fresh and free of food particles.
Brush your denture gently each day with a soft denture brush and non-abrasive cleanser. Avoid hot water as it can damage your denture.
Brush your gums, tongue and any remaining teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush to promote good oral health.
At night, soak your dentures in a denture cleaning solution to keep them sanitized and prevent stains
For more tips and guidance, explore our cleaning guide. Learn more >
When to call your dentist
It’s normal for dentures to feel a little uncomfortable at first. If you notice persistent discomfort, sore spots, significant pain or loose-fitting dentures, give us a call.
Call us right away if you notice excessive bleeding, signs of infection (such as fever or unusual swelling) or pain that doesn’t improve with medication.
How much do immediate dentures cost?
We make sure temporary dentures are included in your care.
At Aspen Dental, immediate or temporary dentures are always included in new denture-wearer care. The type same-day denture you receive is based on the solution you choose at the start of your treatment. Here’s what you need to know:
• Signature Series premium dentures: With this option, a temporary denture is included in your care. We’ll provide it on the day of your extractions to help you heal, eat and speak until you’re ready for your final denture. Based on the solution you select, you’ll receive either a brand-new premium Signature Elite or Signature that’s beautifully customized to your fully healed smile.
• Basic or Classic dentures: If you choose from one of our standard options, you’ll receive either a same-day Basic or Classic denture on the day of your extractions. When you’re finished healing, we’ll reline (or resurface your denture to fit the changes in your smile for comfortable, long-term wear.
No matter which option you select, we’ll make sure you’re never without your smile at no additional cost.
Aspen Dental makes denture care affordable
While immediate dentures are included in new denture-wearer care plans, we make sure to remove financial barriers that may hold you back from all the care you need. Here’s how we help make dentures more accessible—without compromising quality.
No insurance? Start today with discounted care through our membership plan.
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²The Aspen Dental Savings Plan is NOT insurance. Please see plan terms and conditions for details.
“I couldn't laugh like this before because I was ashamed of my mouth. I got my confidence back.”
Jacqueline H. | Denture patient
Las Vegas, NV
Immediate dentures FAQs
Who is a good candidate for immediate dentures, or same-day dentures?
Immediate dentures are designed for new denture-wearers. They’re provided the same day as tooth extractions (i.e., same-day dentures) so you don’t have to hide your smile or wait weeks to have teeth again. As your mouth heals from extractions, immediate dentures will help you speak, eat and protect your gums.
While it’s important to consider your current oral health and the density of your jawbone when getting dentures, anyone who needs extractions when starting their denture journey will need these temporary dentures while in recovery.
How long do immediate dentures take to make and place?
Immediate dentures are typically placed during your extractions visit. While you may need follow-up adjustments for comfort, Aspen Dental offers immediate dentures at every location to help you smile again fast.
Can I really get dentures the same day as my extraction?
Yes, you can receive immediate dentures the same day your teeth are removed. You’ll leave with a full smile to use while your gums heal. Once your smile is ready, we’ll either reline your denture or provide you a new final set. Throughout the journey, your Aspen Dental care team will guide you every step of the way.
How long do temporary dentures stay in?
Most patients wear temporary dentures while healing, but your exact timeline depends on how your gums and bone heal. Once you’re ready, your Aspen Dental provider will fit you for a long-term solution that feels just right.
Can you eat with immediate dentures?
Yes. It’s best to begin with soft foods (like scrambled eggs or mashed potatoes), take small bites, chew slowly and avoid anything too hard or sticky until you’re more comfortable. Your Aspen Dental team can help guide you and provide recommendations to eat comfortably as you adapt to your immediate dentures.
Can you sleep with immediate dentures in?
Yes, you can wear immediate dentures overnight after your extraction, and your dentist may recommend keeping them in for the first 24 hours to help control swelling, unless otherwise directed by your dentist. After that, it’s usually best to take them out at night so your gums can breathe and heal properly.
How painful are immediate dentures?
Some discomfort is normal after extractions. Most patients feel mild soreness or pressure during the first few days, but medication prescribed by your provider or over-the-counter pain relief and soft foods can make the transition smoother. While you heal, your Aspen Dental team will check the fit of your denture to keep you as comfortable as possible.
Do immediate dentures look natural?
Yes, immediate dentures are custom-made to closely match your natural teeth and restore your smile immediately after extractions. Because swelling will go down as your gums heal, adjustments are recommended to keep your denture feeling comfortable. Once your healing is complete, we’ll finalize your denture, or craft you a brand-new prosthesis based on your healed smile for your best look, fit and feel long-term.
Can immediate dentures be permanent?
Yes. Permanent dentures refer to a couple of things:
A brand-new denture crafted after your gums have healed
An immediate denture that has been relined (or adjusted) to fit your healed mouth
With both options, you’ll get a comfortable smile that’s designed to fit the shape of your healed mouth.
How do you clean immediate dentures?
Learn how to clean your immediate dentures with our quick cleaning guide. We’ll go over:
Cleaning & care steps
Recommended products
What to avoid
Contact Aspen Dental for an immediate denture
Schedule an appointment with your Aspen Dental care team today.